We are well on our way into the school year. Books have been distributed, lockers assigned, schedules made (and changed), pencils sharpened and rooms prepared. We have made plans and changed plans. We have planned and collaborated, and our focus has changed from preparation and planning to student excellence and how to get there.

But, school doesn’t just begin without the hours of hard work behind the scenes. So, if and when you are out and about in the community, thank a school employee.

If you see a teacher ...

-- Give the teacher a big high five for the work they have done to prepare the classroom for learning.

-- Give the teacher a “thank you” for the hours of planning and collaborating with colleagues to prepare lessons and enrichment and interventions.

-- Make sure the teacher knows that you care about the work he/she does day in and day out with the students of this community and that we know that our teachers in West Texas are passionate about our students.

If you see a counselor ...

-- Give the counselor a pat on the back for the hours of scheduling preparation that happens before school starts and behind the scenes.

-- Give the counselor a great big “thank you” for always having a smile and welcoming spirit for all students as they enter school -- some for the very first time.

-- And, make sure the counselor knows that we all know that counselors are the heart behind the school.

If you see a school nurse ...

-- Be amazed at the number of immunizations that our nurses must review and make sure are accurate before the first bell even rings.

-- Give a “thank you” for number of first aid kits prepared, Band-Aids passed out and medicines collected to be given out daily.

-- Make sure that our school nurses know that we know that there are many sick kids every, single day that visit a school nurse for care. We know our nurses provide sometimes urgent, vital care for our students and that does not go unnoticed.

If you see a school police officer ...

-- Shake the officer’s hand and say “thank you” for working tirelessly to keep our schools and our facilities safe and secure so that our students can learn. Our officers are on-site at so many different places every, single day so that student learning is not interrupted.

If you see a school volunteer ...

-- Give the volunteer a hug. Our local PTA and parent volunteers are truly amazing. They are always around to lending hand and opening the school year is no different. These volunteers are working opening of school functions, filling concession stands, and recruiting parents to join PTA. The work of a volunteer never ends.

If you see a custodian or food service personnel ...

-- Know that they deserve so many thanks for keeping our school clean and for serving those hot lunches and breakfasts for all students. Behind-the- scenes personnel are our key leaders.

There are many more who give valuable time and energy to the students in our community -- from administrators to teacher assistants and secretaries to receptionists. Our schools would not run smoothly without these people. So, if you see a school employee as you pick up your morning coffee or on your evening walk around the neighborhood, take the time to let them know that our community cares about the work they do. Our school employees are one of the biggest resources in West Texas and we must continue to let them know how valuable we think they are.

Let me be first today to say “thank you” for helping our students. Thank you, school volunteers and assistant principals; thank you, attendance clerks and curriculum coaches; thank you coaches and trainers. Thank you directors and sponsors and bus drivers. Thank you teachers. From public schools to private schools and to charters and homeschools, I thank you for educating the future of our community.